qemu-img create -f qcow2 -o compression_type=zlib win98.qcow2 2G Launch QEMU with the empty disk, boot floppy, and Windows 98 ISO:
# VMDK to qcow2 qemu-img convert -f vmdk windows98.vmdk -O qcow2 win98.qcow2 qemu-img convert -f vdi windows98.vdi -O qcow2 win98.qcow2 Raw IMG to qcow2 qemu-img convert -f raw windows98.img -O qcow2 win98.qcow2 windows 98 qcow2
qemu-img create -f qcow2 -b win98_clean.qcow2 win98_gaming.qcow2 The child image stores only changes; the base remains read-only. To commit changes back to base: qemu-img create -f qcow2 -o compression_type=zlib win98
Always verify the conversion by booting the qcow2 image before deleting the original. The windows98.qcow2 combination represents the most flexible, efficient, and historically accurate way to run Microsoft’s classic OS on modern hardware. Qcow2’s snapshotting, compression, and backing file features turn Windows 98 from a fragile relic into a practical tool for retro-computing, software preservation, and legacy testing. qemu-img snapshot -c before_install win98
Whether you are a nostalgic gamer, a digital archivist, or a legacy system maintainer, mastering the creation and optimization of Windows 98 qcow2 images opens a reliable gateway to the late 1990s PC environment—without the blue screens of yesteryear (or at least, only authentic ones). Last updated: 2025 – Works with QEMU 9.x and Windows 98 SE.
qemu-img snapshot -c before_install win98.qcow2 List snapshots:
